Ayurveda Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis
All rheumatic disorders are classified as 'Vata disorders' in Ayurveda. Rheumatoid arthritis which is described as "Amavata" in Ayurveda is a joint disorder which affects multiple joints a various sites. 'Ama' means toxic which is produced in the body due to weakening of digestive fire- Jataragni. This 'Ama' is then carried by 'Vayu' and travels throughout the body and accumulate in the joints, which is the seat of 'Kapha' As this process continuous, all the joints are gradually affected, which results in severe pain and swelling in the joints. When 'Pitta' also gets aggravated, it causes burning sensation around the joints.
Treatment:
(a) Diet - Vegetarian food to be consumed. Dairy products, sweets, oily foods, junk and fast foods, salty and sour foods, jaggery, black gram, fish, cold drinks and ice creams are to be avoided.
(b) Life style- One should avoid cold breeze and excessive wind. Warm water bath is recommended. Take a gentle walk after consumption of food.
(c) Medicines- Guggulu is the most effective drug in treating 'Amavata'. Also herbal preparations of Ashwagandha, Haritaki, Rasna, Sunthi, Pippai and Trivrut are helpful.
(d) Panchakarma Therapy - This is purification process by which toxins are eliminated from the body
Snehana: Internal and external oleation to the body / affected parts is given as a preliminary process.
Swedana: This is done by application of steam on the affected parts. It helps in reducing inflammatory conditions in the body.
Virechana: By the process of Virechana, the 'Ama' is eliminated from the body. Also the bowel is cleansed, which results in absorption and assimilation of the medicinal preparations properly.
Vasti:This is done by administration of herbal enema. It is helpful in chronic cases.
Along with treatment, physiotherapy, organized lifestyle, vegetarianism, suitable physical exercises, yoga and meditation should be practiced. Ayurvedic treatment, a holistic approach for Rheumatoid Arthritis has been designed identifying the fact that the power of mind can overcome any physical aberrations.
Dr Rajesh Nair is a Web writer and ayurvedic researcher. Check out his favorite sources for ayurvedic medicines
You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice, author name and URL remain intact.
How Glucosamine Sulfate & Glucosamine HCL Help Pet Arthritis
As every pet owner would know, arthritis affects much of the physical and behavioral aspects of their beloved dog or cat. Arthritis in pets is quite painful, restricts normal movements, and can cause severe lameness when left unattended.
Arthritis has two identified risk factors: breeding and environment. No matter how much preventive actions an owner makes, this joint disease is still very much common in pets.
Along with drugs, most veterinarians would recommend the intake of dietary supplements to help manage arthritis in pets. One type of substance recently introduced to alleviate arthritic pain and is gaining popular acceptance is glucosamine, commonly sold in the form of glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL).
Glucosamine is a type of amino sugar that is involved in the production of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, substances that make up cartilage. These substances also inhibit the production of enzymes the degrade cartilages.
Glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine HCL act on arthritic joints in several ways. These compounds reduce the inflammation of joints, reducing the observable swelling observed when arthritis is manifested. The damage caused on cartilage, be it from wear and tear, trauma, or infection, is slowly alleviated. Cartilage is being repaired and regenerated. All these serve to reduce the debilitating pain associated with arthritis. Glucosamine is also available in capsule form, though recent studies revealed the liquid forms of glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine HCL are far more effective, because they are more readily absorbed by the body. Liquid forms takes about 15 days or less to manifest arthritis relief in your dog or cat, compared to several weeks observed from intake of glucosamine in capsules. One of the most popular brands is Synflex Liquid Glucosamine, and the new formula, Syn-flex for Pets containing even more glucosamine and a new beef flavor that my dog seems to really enjoy. Easy to give on a daily basis, Synflex for Pets is a very safe and effective choice for your pet if it is suffering from joint problems.
Most of the glucosamine products available in the market are derived from shellfish. When initiating the intake of this dietary supplement in your pet, make sure that you carefully follow dosage instructions, as the amount you give would depend on your pet's weight.
The intake of these dietary supplements not only treats arthritis, it also maintains the health of your pet's joints.
One of the signs that your pet is getting better is when he starts to regain normal movements. You will see your pet run and play again. And because pain relief is achieved, you pet's disposition will noticeably improve.
Of course, the intake of dietary supplements in pets must also be accompanied by several steps to manage arthritis. Since this disease still has no absolute cure, make sure that your dog or cat loses any excess weight they are carrying and that they maintain their ideal weight, to prevent continued stress on joints. Make sure that you also provide a warm environment for your pet, as cold and dampness exacerbates arthritis. Maintain a low-impact exercise regimen for you pet, like walking on leash or swimming, to keep them healthy and lean, as well as maintain mobility.
So if your pet gets diagnosed with arthritis, with medicines, supplements like Syn-flex for Pets, proper nutrition, and exercise, this disease will not prevent your pet from enjoying life to the fullest. You can learn more about the Synflex Liquid Glucosamine brand at http://www.syn-flex-usa.com/
Rheumatoid Arthritis – A Real Chance of Permanent Relief!
Arthritis is a term used to describe around 100 similar diseases, these many different conditions are closely linked because of there detrimental effect on one's joint and joint area. The many guises of arthritis come with there own underlying causes and contributing factors. Although arthritis is common with age, it is clear that the disease is far from being only age related, and is reported throughout all age and social groups.
Over 50% of people nearing retirement age are thought to be effected in some way by arthritis. Arthritis or musculoskeletal disease effects a very large proportion of adults, especially those living in industrialised nations. Studies indicate that almost three quarters of all people over the age of seventy will develop symptoms of arthritis at some point, although less common arthritis can be apparent in children (Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis).
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder disease. RA may not be a permanent issue with many arthritics reporting periods of remission, having said that, left untreated rheumatoid arthritis will remain underlying and inevitably re-appear when triggered.
Autoimmune disease is a term used to describe a problematic metabolic disorder, in which the body's own defence system receives the wrong signal and proceeds to attack that which it normally defends. RA attacks the synovium, which is the protective lining between the joint, rheumatoid arthritis pain and information is due mainly to the thickening of the synovium.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms.
Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include painful stiff and swollen joints, untreated and progressed cases of RA may include the deformation of joints and cartilage damage.
Symmetrical Attack of Rheumatoid arthritis.
RA is not often restricted to just one joint, many arthritics will often find themselves symmetrically effected, such as in both hands, or perhaps in both knees, rheumatoid arthritis has the ability to travel throughout one's body and is not limited to attacking only joints.
A Real Cure For Your Rheumatoid arthritis!
Rheumatoid arthritis, as with all forms of arthritis is a condition caused by the manifestation of an underlying disease, even though this may not be apparent. The problem with today's quick fix drug therapies is that they only address the symptoms of arthritis. The prolonged use of both prescribed and over the counter medication can only lead to an overall progression of RA due to the toxins these drugs leave in the body.
An autoimmune diseases is difficult to treat with drugs, due to the many different factors involved, anyone trying to treat their own RA will only be successful if they can address the following underlying problems.
* Flush the body harmful toxins.
* Gastrointestinal problems such as bacterial and fungal infections must be addressed.
* Flush the kidneys.
* Naturally remove arthritis triggers (even the ones which are not apparent).
* Keep RA inflammation under control, without using drugs.
* Expel heavy metal from the body.
* Remove excess uric acid.
* Repair damage to tissue, cell and cartilage, naturally.
* Reduce the amount of excess free radicals in the body.
* Re-build and strengthen the Immune-system.
* Restore a healthy digestive system.
* Bring body weight in line with its BMI.
* Naturally keep the joints lubricated.
This may sound difficult, how on earth could any medication tackle all of these issues ?, well the truth is, modern drug therapies fall short at tackling any of these problems effectively. In my experience, natural alternatives and simple life changes have proven to be far more effective in the treatment of RA.
I'm aware of the dim view that today's medical professionals express regarding alternative treatments for many ailments, including rheumatoid arthritis, what should perhaps be remembered is the simple fact that modern medicine owes its very existence to ancient herbal & Natural practices. Try a natural approach to your RA it could be our best option.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment – Get Started Early
There are several symptoms which can develop due to rheumatoid arthritis [RA]. A common sign most people are aware of, is the swelling in joints and tendons. And this is when sufferers will initially begin to look into the causes of the disease, as well as what rheumatoid arthritis treatment is available to them.
RA usually affects multiple areas, most often, the hands, knees, feet, shoulders and spine. The condition can not only cause extreme pain, if and when the condition worsens, but can ultimately become disabling; the disease causing serious damage to tissues and tendons. Sometimes causing anemia and other highly problematic medical conditions. Initially your medical physician will be able to diagnose the condition, not only from the visual signs, but with blood tests and x-rays.
However, if the disease is in the early stages, ie. has been developing for less than a year, this test will often have a negative result. Usually the disease builds over time, meaning eventually the patient will show as 'positive', as the RA progresses. Once diagnosis has been established, a Rheumatologist will normally be assigned to the patient to aid with long term management and treatment. A Rheumatologist is a trained specialist in rheumatoid arthritis treatment, as well as other diseases which can occur, connected with the joints, tendons and other connective tissues.
Initially, anti inflammatory drugs, painkillers and steroids might be prescribed to suppress and control the development of the disease. Much depends on the seriousness of the condition. Occupational and physiotherapy might also be considered a necessary and suitable drug free treatment.
If the RA is considered more serious, 'Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs will be prescribed, which are highly effective at preventing damage on a long term basis. New research is introducing newer biological drug treatments all the time. In the long term, the disease can cripple joints and also affect various vital organs in the body. This is true for almost a quarter of sufferers. Sometime these problems are caused by the drugs used for the treatment. Therefore, wherever possible, natural treatments are preferable.
For rheumatoid arthritis it is suggested the patient use anti-inflammatory herbs, for example turmeric or ginger. It is also believed that certain foods can aggravate the condition and should be eliminated or reduced in the diet. For instance, some grains, like wheat and corn, plus sugar, dairy products and hydrogenated vegetable oils. Reducing refined foods, with chemical additives, is also advised.
Food specific diets are not as successful with rheumatoid arthritis, as they are with osteo arthritis. However, that is not to say there are no benefits. There is a combination of ways to deal with RA. Which RA treatment suits you best, ultimately, will be for you and your doctor to decide.
Upper Cervical Care is the Answer to Our Health Care Crisis
A monumental health care crisis is taking place throughout the world, but it isn't what you might suspect. It isn't a lack of public healthcare, insurance coverage or prescription drugs. The real healthcare crisis is the failure to emphasize the prevention of disease over the treatment of disease. Until we change our focus, we will forever be chasing diseases rather than maintaining health.
Unfortunately, as a whole, the world is getting sicker with each passing year. Many conditions and diseases including autism, cancer, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases and iatrogenic disease (drug or healthcare provider induced) are on the rise.
This is all despite the fact that the use of prescription drugs is rising at an unprecedented rate. In fact, the United States represents only 5% of the world's population yet we consume nearly 75% of all prescription drugs manufactured. If this traditional, western approach to healthcare were the answer, wouldn't the USA rank head and shoulders above the rest of the world in overall health? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States ranks 40th in overall health, below some third world countries.
As a result of this frightening trend, there is a shift taking place in this country, a patient-led revolution; people are seeking alternative healthcare. They believe that traditional healthcare should be held to a higher standard. Profits and politics should no longer stand in the way of good health. Americans are looking for a different kind of healthcare, one that puts their entire well-being first.
A New Perspective
In part, the healthcare crisis exists today because many doctors and patients believe that certain diseases are inevitable. Why is this? Are we defective? Are we at the mercy of genetics, old age, or bad luck? Did a germ or virus randomly pick us as their next victim?
In healthcare, two different perspectives influence the way we think about health and healing.
The first belief is that humans are fundamentally flawed.
Things are beyond our control. We are victims of our genetics, environment or age. We are destined to have things go wrong over the course of our lives that we will not be able to recover from on our own. We are not educated enough to make your own healthcare decisions, so they need to make them for us.
The second belief is that we are created fundamentally perfect.
We are created with the ability to heal and recover from almost anything and adapt to those things that we cannot. We are empowered to seek advice and ultimately make our own decisions, because we are the only ones who know what is ultimately best for us!
Upper Cervical doctors believe that we are all created, for the most part, fundamentally perfect. The best health care is self-care. We should focus our attention on addressing the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of our bodies on a daily basis.
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Upper Cervical Care
When it comes to living a long and healthy life, very few people will argue that prevention through optimum nutrition and exercise play a vital role, but the most important component to good health is often overlooked. That component is proper "brain to body communication." You may have heard this phrase tossed around, but do you really know what it means?
The brain stem and nervous system control and coordinate every function in your body - heart rate, breathing, vision, hearing, balance, digestion, muscle tension, posture, emotions, immune function, hormones...literally EVERYTHING! In order to function properly and remain healthy for years to come, you must have 100% "brain to body communication" at all times-- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
Most people don't understand that this brain to body communication can be "choked" off by a misalignment within one of the top two bones in the neck. This interference contributes to a myriad of health conditions...arthritis, asthma, diabetes, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, ear infections, and the list goes on. Nearly all health conditions begin with stresses placed on the body, over time, that were never corrected.
Upper Cervical Awareness Month
Poor brain to body communication is an epidemic as prevalent as tooth decay. The International Upper Cervical Institute estimates that by the age of 39, 87% of the population has some degree of interference to the health and healing messages the brain tries to send the body. Despite the fact that this decreased brain to body communication is widespread, public awareness remains limited.
It's time we get "back to the basics," take control over our own health, and recognize the body's remarkable, inborn self-healing ability. This is the only way we can truly break the cycle of just treating the disease in this country. If we are waiting for a miracle drug to cure the world's ailments, it's not going to happen! We need to be proactive, not reactive, with our health. Prevention must take precedence over the treatment of disease!
The Upper Cervical Health Centers of America, Patient Advocates Association and the International Upper Cervical Institute have established Upper Cervical Awareness Month to increase public awareness of Upper Cervical treatment and the health and healing it is bringing to millions. It also provides an opportunity for doctors and patients to work together to increase public awareness of how the epidemic of poor brain to body communication causes needless pain and suffering.
The Good News
Although being proactive and addressing health problems early is always best, it is never too late to start. If you are still breathing, you can improve your health. Most people see remarkable improvement in their health when they incorporate Upper Cervical Care into their lives. Our patients routinely free themselves of long-term health impairments without medication.
While Upper Cervical Care has been one of the best kept secrets in healthcare, our patients and doctors are committed to letting the world know about this gentle, non-invasive and natural approach to health!
Chronic disease and disability do not have to be the inevitable result of aging. Chronic illnesses develop from a lifetime of stressful factors that interfere with the body's ability to heal and regenerate. The body is an extraordinary self-healing organism, and a long life, free of common diseases and premature aging, is available for those who seek it.
Go to the website of uppercervicalcare.com to learn more about Upper Cervical health care. Watch videos that explain how health conditions that traditional physicians considered incurable have improved and get answers to the most commonly asked questions about Upper Cervical.
Upper cervical care can help everyone. Infants to seniors, mothers-to-be, athletes, and accident victims will benefit from a healthy spine and nervous system. If you have a health problem, Upper Cervical doctors will focus on correcting the cause, not just treating the symptoms. If you are symptom free, Upper Cervical care is one of the best ways to stay healthy.
The doctors on this website hope that you use this information to better your life and welcome the opportunity to work with you and your family to improve your health.
A Story About Two Bones
At the top of your spine, there are two very special bones. These bones, the Atlas and Axis, are found in every human being and all vertebrate animals. They were created to support your head and protect the most vital part of your nervous system, the brain stem, while at the same time allow for maximum movement in the neck.
The story begins like this, and it could happen to anyone.
Mary had a difficult birth. Her mother labored for many hours before the doctor finally pulled her from the birth canal with forceps. Anyone observing the birth could easily see that this placed extreme stress to the baby's upper neck, but the doctor assured her mother that this is common and the baby did appear to be doing fine. However, the next few months were difficult, because Mary was having a terrible time with colic, irritability, and constant crying. Once again, her mother was reassured, and everything was chalked up to Mary just being a "fussy baby."
A year went by and like most toddlers Mary fell on average 5000 times while learning to walk. The first two bones of Mary's spine are the smallest (as they are for all of us) yet they hold the weight of her six pound head. Because these are the only bones in the spine that aren't "locked" into place like the other bones in the spine, they take the brunt of the force. By age two, Mary was experiencing recurrent ear infections that antibiotics just couldn't "fix".
At age seven, Mary fell off her bike. She got a few scrapes, bumps and bruises and complained of soreness for a couple days, but bounced back pretty easily, and Mom thought she'd be just fine. Oddly enough, Mary seemed to "catch" every cold and flu bug that winter. By spring, she developed a new allergy to grass and pollen. She must have been run down.
In high school, Mary played soccer on the varsity team subjecting her body to lots of tackles and using her head to strike the ball. She then went to college where her academic work was emotionally stressful and after graduation joined the "real world" where her stress continued.
At age 35 Mary had a fender bender that whip-lashed her upper neck that caused her pain and difficulty in turning her head. Her hips and legs felt a little "off" although she couldn't really explain it. She thought maybe it was because she was getting older. These things happen, right? By this time, Mary was experiencing headaches more and more often. They could be debilitating even though she had been prescribed medication. Later she began to experience chronic fatigue and bouts of depression. Her doctor prescribed Imatrex for the headaches, Ambien to sleep and Prozac to help her "cope." Nothing seemed to help.
By age 40 Mary had been diagnosed with migraines, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and depression.
This true story is the story of millions of people. Substitute the traumas (physical, emotional, chemical) and the symptoms, and in the end, you have a very common story which is repeated daily throughout the world.
It's all about the proper alignment of the Atlas and the Axis, the top two bones in your neck which allow for the optimal function of the brain stem.
My Doctor Wants Me to Take Enbrel For My Rheumatoid Arthritis-What Can You Tell me About it?
TNF alpha is a cytokine, a protein that is produced during the inflammatory response. TNF alpha is involved in inflammation from two perspectives. It is not only the product of inflammation; it also helps perpetuate and promote inflammation. Increased levels of TNF are found in several inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Drugs that block tumor necrosis factor (TNF) have been found to be particularly effective for the treatment of these serious forms of inflammatory arthritis.
The first anti-TNF drug approved for such use was etanercept (Enbrel).
Etanercept is a synthetic (man-made) protein that binds to TNF alpha. It acts like a sponge to remove most of the TNF alpha molecules from the joints and blood. This prevents TNF alpha from perpetuating inflammation and the pain, tenderness and swelling of joints in patients with different types of arthritis.
Etanercept reduces the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, the arthritis of psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It also prevents the progression of joint destruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the arthritis of psoriasis.
Etanercept is usually used in combination with methotrexate in patients who do not respond adequately to methotrexate alone.
Etanercept comes in two different preparations. The first is a powder that must be reconstituted (mixed) with a diluent. This comes as a 25 mg dose. The second is as a premixed syringe containing 50 mgs of etanercept. Etanercept must be refrigerated. The drug is given as a subcutaneous injection. Dosing will vary according to disease severity and body size.
Because etanercept reduces the immune response, it should not be administered with live vaccines.
Etanercept is not recommended for use in pregnant or nursing women.
The most common side effects are mild to moderate itching, pain, swelling and redness at the site of injection. Headache, dizziness, nose and throat irritation also occur.
TNF alpha has an important role in the response of the immune system to infections. Blocking the action of TNF alpha with etanercept may worsen or increase the occurrence of infections, and patients with serious infections should not receive etanercept. Etanercept should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection. It should not be given to patients with active infections or who have an allergy to its components. Etanercept should be used with caution in patients prone to infection, such as those with poorly controlled diabetes.
Since etanercept has entered the market, there have been reports of multiple sclerosis, myelitis, optic neuritis in patients using the drug. Etanercept is not recommended for persons with preexisting disease of the central nervous system (brain and/or spinal cord) or for those with multiple sclerosis, myelitis, or optic neuritis. Rare cases of potentially serious low blood counts (pancytopenia) have been reported in patients using etanercept.
Monitoring should be done according to guidelines set by the rheumatologist.
Categories
| M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| « Feb | ||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||
Archives
- February 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009